Research Projects

The overreaching aim of modern photonics research endeavours is to explore, comprehend and harness light and its infinite capabilities through novel and richer ways, leading to the emergence of innovative and rich applications. To date, major developments in photonics, such as lasing, harmonic generation, frequency comb, parametric conversion process, mode-locking, etc., critically depend on the ``Nonlinear Optical Techniques” and the associated physics of light-matter interaction. While significant progress has been made in understanding the nonlinear interaction between photonic and material degrees of freedom (DoF), the ultimate goal of three (or full)-dimensional coherent light engineering is still far from being complete, as the MOST available solution involves optimization of the light field at reduced DoF, say (1+1) or (1+2) dimensions. A classic example includes optical light propagation in single-mode fibers. This multidimensional control of light–light and light–matter in more intricate ways through tailored construction of complex optical fields has been at the top of the list of “holy grail” nonlinear optic endeavours for over two decades. However, this capability is very much within site now, courtesy of advances in fiber optic technology, precisely with the recent surge in interest in multimode fiber (MMF) systems. The availability of advanced tools, experiments, computing, modeling, and machine learning makes MM photonics an interesting area of high fundamental and applied interest. On the fundamental front, MMF, with high-spatial freedom, emerged as an intriguing workbench to study the complex spatiotemporal (ST) nonlinear dynamics, leading to pattern formation, solitons, attractors, etc.. While the applied potential includes 3D beam shaping, high power scaling, and space-division multiplexing, to mention a few. Despite these captivating opportunities, precise control of light wave propagation in MMF is still in its infancy, thus calling for extensive study encompassing fundamental aspects of nonlinear optical science, complexity, dissipative systems, and optical pattern formation and their associated concepts and tools. By developing new theories with the support of analytical, numerical, and machine-learning tools, we attempt to comprehensively understand the ST propagation dynamics in the frame of a higher-dimensional MMF laser system, followed by laboratory demonstration. Driven by a robust research hypothesis, we intend to address the following questions: How does increasing dimensionality increase complexity? To what extent can one manipulate the DoF of the laser cavity to generate on-demand coherent spatiotemporal waveforms? Would AI unbridle the full potential of nonlinear spatiotemporal coupling? Besides advancing the physics of spatiotemporal nonlinear physics as a proof-of-concept, we also intend to provide guidelines for 3D Beam shaping as a roadmap for the future generation of ‘on-demand’ light bullets.